Insulated fabric pocket panels

ABSTRACT

Insulated Fabric Pocket Panels were designed to provide safe, economical, portable energy saving insulation for the interior living spaces of un-insulated or under insulated structures. The embodiments inserted into the fabric pocket panel include the following but not limited to either one layer of double bubble reflective foil insulation ( 15 ), an insulation bundle ( 25 ) or foil radiant barrier ( 28 ) inserted inside the pocket. 
     The insulated fabric pocket panels insulate against heat and cold transfer through perimeter interior surfaces from outside weather. Heat and cold are reflected out of the interior of the structure to the outside environment. The reflective foil on the interior side of the panel reflects heated furnace air or cooled air conditioning air away from interior surfaces back into the interior or center of the rooms. Furnaces or air conditioners do have to heat or cool the interior finished wall surfaces. Only the air is heated or cooled. This process uses less energy, saves money, and protects the environment. 
     Due to climate change, rising oil prices, stagnated wages and an increase in low-wage earners, environmental experts have said that within the next ten to fifteen years 30% of all Americans will not be able to heat or cool their residences. No American family should have to choose between heating or cooling their residence and buying food or medication(s). These panels are essential to middle class families, the elderly and disabled on fixed incomes, and poverty stricken families because they reduce energy use, save money and help protect the environment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent applicationSer. No. 60/942,968, filed Jun. 8, 2007

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to an energy saving interior insulation system,specifically to insulated fabric pocket panels.

2. Prior Art

Buildings and vehicles (hereinafter structures) have either limitedinsulation in perimeter walls or none at all. Traditional forms ofinsulation include: fiberglass batt insulation, cellulose, Styrofoam,rock wool, and spray in foam insulation. The insulation is inserted intothe stud cavities of the walls. It is expensive to retrofit insulationinto the wall cavities in existing structures. Tenants or leaseholdersdo not have these two traditional insulation options available to themif the landlord does not utilize them. These traditional insulationoptions are expensive due to laws requiring installation by insulationcontractors. Contractors charge high fees and price owners, leaseholdersand tenants (hereinafter dwellers) out of the market.

Dwellers are forced to live in structures that are cold in the winterand hot in the summer. They also suffer high utility costs.

Insulated fabric pocket panels are unique in that they are inexpensiveand portable as compared to traditional forms of insulation. The usercan remove the panels and hanging hardware and transport them to a newlocation. The insulation embodiments of my insulated pocket fabricpanels include a fabric pocket panel, and an insulation product such asone layer of double bubble two-sided foil insulation, a finishedinsulation bundle or foil radiant barrier The insulation is insertedinside the fabric pocket. Insulated fabric pocket panels are used on theinterior side of finished perimeter walls, windows, doors, ceilings, andfloors of the structure. Fabric pocket panels with foil radiant barrierare used on finished interior room dividing wall surfaces of structures.

The patent search found only one patent that proposed insulating theinterior of a structure's finished wall surfaces. This insulation devicefor residential and commercial structures and similar heated structureswas proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,492. The device has an inner-portionand outer-portion insulating pad to fit inside a typical entrance orwindow framing creating a thermal barrier. The immediate finished wallsurface is used for the placement of Velcro to fasten the thermalbarrier around the door and window's finished framing and the window.The thermal barrier only insulates this immediate area when it isconnected to the Velcro strip. No other areas of the interior finishedwall surfaces are covered and insulated.

In conclusion, insofar as I am aware, no invention has been patentedthat resembles in regard to embodiment, function and/or application tomy invention Insulated Fabric Pocket Panels.

SUMMARY

The invention relates to an interior insulation system comprised ofinsulated fabric pocket panels with insulation options of one layer ofdouble bubble two-sided foil insulation, an insulation bundle or foilradiant barrier inserted inside the pocket.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a perspective front view of the fabric pocket panelconstructed in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 1B shows a lateral cross section taken generally along the lines of1B of FIG. 1A. constructed with one layer of double bubble reflectivefoil insulation inserted inside the fabric pocket panel in accordancewith one embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a lateral cross section of the fabric pocket panelconstructed with an insulation bundle inserted inside the fabric pocketpanel in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a lateral cross section of the fabric pocket panelconstructed with foil radiant barrier inserted inside the fabric pocketpanel in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a view of structure from above showing perimeter walls.

FIG. 3B is a view of a structure from above showing perimeter walls anda room divider wall.

FIG. 4A is a frontal view of an interior wall with a fabric pocket panelhanging on the wall, hanging hardware, and air space created by 1″ by 2″wood trim every 16 inches.

FIG. 4B is a lateral cross section of a finished perimeter wall, 1″ by2″ wood trim for an air space, a fabric pocket panel with an insulationbundle is inserted inside the pocket of the fabric panel.

DRAWINGS Reference Numerals

FIG. 1A

-   -   10 is a fabric pocket panel    -   11 is a hanging grommet and washer    -   12 is a double fold fabric hem

FIG. 1B

-   -   13 is a fabric pocket panel    -   14 is a fabric pocket panel    -   15 is one layer of double bubble two-sided foil insulation    -   16 is laminated reflective foil    -   17 is laminated reflective foil

FIG. 2A

-   -   18 is a fabric pocket panel    -   19 is a fabric pocket panel    -   20 is laminated reflective foil    -   21 is laminated reflective foil    -   22 is double bubble two-sided foil insulation    -   23 is double bubble two-sided foil insulation    -   24 is regular plastic 1″ bubble packing wrap    -   25 is a finished insulation bundle

FIG. 2B

-   -   26 is a fabric pocket panel    -   27 is a fabric pocket panel    -   28 is foil radiant barrier

FIG. 3A

-   -   29 is an exterior perimeter wall    -   30 is an exterior perimeter wall    -   31 is an exterior perimeter wall    -   32 is a exterior perimeter wall    -   33 is a structure view from above

FIG. 3B

-   -   34 is an exterior perimeter wall    -   35 is an exterior perimeter wall    -   36 is an exterior perimeter wall    -   37 is an exterior perimeter wall    -   38 is a room divider wall    -   39 is a door opening    -   40 is a door opening    -   41 is a structure view from above

FIG. 4A

-   -   42 is a hanging grommet and washer    -   43 is a fabric pocket panel    -   44 is a ceiling line of wall    -   45 is hanging hardware    -   46 is air space of 1″ by 2″ wood trim 16″ on center    -   47 is a floor line of wall    -   48 is a frontal view of interior wall

FIG. 4B

-   -   49 is cold or hot air in outside environment reflected back        outside by the reflective foil covering    -   50 is a wall stud framework    -   51 is exterior siding    -   52 is interior dry wall    -   53 is a 1″ by 2″ wood trim 16″ on center for air space    -   54 is the back side of the fabric pocket panel    -   55 is laminated reflective foil    -   56 is laminated reflective foil    -   57 is the front side of fabric pocket panel    -   58 is cool or warm air inside room reflected by laminated        reflective foil back into the center of the room    -   59 is a finished insulation bundle inside the fabric pocket        panel    -   60 is a finished insulated fabric pocket panel hanging on an        interior finished wall with an insulation bundle inside the        pocket    -   61 is a finished perimeter stud wall with exterior siding and        dry wall on the interior side of the wall structure

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIGS. 1A, 2A, 4A, AND4B

In accordance with the preferred embodiment, an insulated fabric pocketpanel 10 (FIG. 1A) is comprised of a fabric pocket panel constructedwith an insulation bundle 25 (FIG. 2A) inserted inside the pocket.

A fabric pocket panel 10 (FIG. 1A) is constructed by folding the fabricover inside out with the left and right sides sewn together. The top ofthe fabric pocket panel 10 (FIG. 1A) is folded into a double-fold hem 12(FIG. 1A) and stitched to secure it. A double-fold fabric hem 12 (FIG.1A) is made at the top of the fabric pocket panel 10 (FIG. 1A) toprovide strength to hold the hanging grommets and washers 11 (FIG. 1A).The hanging grommets and washers 11 (FIG. 1A) reinforce the hook hole.The grommets and washers 11 evenly support the weight of fabric pocketpanel 10 (FIG. 1A) when hung.

The fabric pocket panel 10 (FIG. 1A) is turned right side out. Metalhanging grommets and washers 11 (FIG. 1A) are attached to the frontdouble-fold fabric hem 12 (FIG. 1A). A 6″ to 10″ spacing is made betweenthe finished grommets. Closer spacing provides a more controlled upperedge. When the grommets are spaced farther apart, the upper edge of thepanel may droop between the grommets. Metal hanging grommets and washers11 (FIG. 1A) are aligned with the grommets on the front double-fold hem12 (FIG. 1A). and attached to the back or rear double-fold hem.

The preferred embodiment also includes an insulation bundle 25 (FIG. 2A)61 (FIG. 4B) is inserted inside the fabric pocket panel 10 (FIG. 1A) 43(FIG. 4A) 59 (FIG. 4B). The best mode of making the insulation bundle 25(FIG. 2A) is connecting the following elements but not limited to: onelayer of double bubble two-sided foil insulation 22 (FIG. 2A) is placedon the work table, one layer of regular 1″ plastic bubble wrap 24 (FIG.2A) is placed on top of the first layer 22 (FIG. 2A), and a second layerof double bubble two-sided foil insulation 23 (FIG. 2A) is placed on topof the second layer of regular 1″ plastic bubble wrap 24 (FIG. 2A). Thethree layers 22, 24, and 23 (FIG. 2A) can be attached together withadhesives, hot glue or foil tape. Foil tape is preferred.

Air space must be inserted between the each layer of double bubbletwo-sided foil insulation 22 and 23 (FIG. 2A) to prevent the laminatedreflective foil 20 and 21 (FIG. 2A) from sticking together. Air spacecan be made of various materials such as but not limited to wooden lath,plastic roman shade rib slides or regular 1″ inch plastic bubble wrap 24(FIG. 2A). Regular 1″ inch plastic bubble wrap material 24 (FIG. 2A) ispreferred as it allows the insulation bundle 25 (FIG. 2A) to be rolledfor transport to new location without being disassembled.

The preferred embodiment also includes an air space between the finishedperimeter stud wall 61 (FIG. 4B) and the finished fabric pocket panel 59(FIG. 4B) to prevent condensation and mold from forming on the wall. Thepreferred mode of creating an air space is through the use of 1″ by 2″wood trim 46 (FIG. 4A) The 1″ by 2″ wood trim 46 (FIG. 4A) 53 (FIG. 4A)is attached in an upright vertical position to the stud wall structureevery 16 inches on center 46 (FIG. 4A) with wood screws. The length ofthe 1″×2″ wood trim 46 (FIG. 4A) 53 (FIG. 4B) is based upon the lengthof the fabric pocket panel 43 (FIG. 4A) and 60 (FIG. 4B). The 1″ by 2″wood trim 46 (FIG. 4A) and 53 (FIG. 4B) can be easily removed from thewall and the screw holes can be filled with spackle.

Operation—FIGS. 2A, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B

Traditional insulating materials such as fiberglass, rock wool,cellulose, and Styrofoam absorb the flow of heat and cold and slows itsmovement. The flow or transfer of heat and cold is not stopped.Eventually the heat and cold enter into the structure causing anincrease in heating and cooling costs. The laminated reflective foil onthe double bubble two-sided foil insulation reflects the flow ortransfer of heat and cold away from the surface of the insulation.

The manner of using the fabric pocket panel 43 (FIG. 4A) and 59 (FIG.4B) in a normal manner by hanging the insulated pocket panel 43 (FIG.4A) and 59 (FIG. 4B) on commercial, custom or hand-made hanging hardware45 (FIG. 4A) on exterior perimeter walls 29, 30, 31, and 32 (FIG. 3A)34, 35, 36, 37 (FIG. 3B). The fabric on the fabric pocket panel 43 (FIG.4A) 54 and 57 (FIG. 4B) provides an aesthetically pleasing fabric coverwith fabric that can be matched to any décor. The fabric pocket panel 43(FIG. 4A) 54 and 57 (FIG. 4B) also protects and conceals the laminatedreflective foil 20 and 21 (FIG. 2A) 54 and 57 (FIG. 4B).

An insulation bundle 25 (FIG. 2A) 59 (FIG. 4B) is inserted inside thefabric pocket panel 43 (FIG. 4A) 54 and 57 (FIG. 4B) creating a finishedinsulated fabric panel 59 (FIG. 4B). The insulation bundle 59 (FIG. 4A)provides doubled R-value due to the two layers of double bubbletwo-sided foil insulation. As shown in FIG. 4B, the finished insulatedpocket panel 60 insulates against heat and cold transfer through thefinished exterior perimeter wall 61 into the interior room of astructure. The laminated reflective foil 55 (FIG. 4B) on the doublebubble two-sided foil insulation reflects heat and cold 49 (FIG. 4B)back through the finished exterior perimeter wall 61 (FIG. 4B) of thestructure to the outside environment.

The laminated reflective foil 56 (FIG. 4B) on the interior room side ofthe double bubble two-sided foil insulation reflects heated furnace airor cooled air conditioner air 58 (FIG. 4B) away from interior wallsurfaces back into the center of the rooms. The furnace air is notcooled by cold walls. The air conditioner air is not warmed by warm orhot walls. The furnace and air conditioner heat or cool only the airinside the room saving energy.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 4A Additional Embodiments

Additional embodiments of size and shape: insulated fabric pocket panels10 (FIG. 1A) 43 (FIG. 4A) are made to cover from the ceiling to thefloor. However, the width and length of the panel also varies based onsize of the interior surface to be covered. Double bubble two-sided foilinsulation 15 (FIG. 1B) comes in roll widths of 16 inches, 24 inches, 48inches, 60 inches, and 72 inches wide. The width and length of the doorpanel also varies based on size of the interior door surface to becovered. Door panels are attached to the interior side of doors.

FIGS. 1A and 1B Alternative Embodiments

An alternative embodiment FIGS. 1A and 2A includes but are not limitedto the following: one layer of double bubble two-sided foil insulation15 (FIG. 1B) inserted inside the fabric pocket panel 13 and 14 (FIG. 1B)and a fabric pocket panel 26 and 27 (FIG. 2B) with foil radiant barrierinserted inside and used for interior room dividing walls.

Advantages

From the description above, a number of advantages of the insulatedfabric pocket panels become evident:

1. The insulated fabric pocket panels provide an economical and portableenergy-saving insulation system for interior living spaces ofstructures.

2. The double bubble two-sided foil insulation is reflective with higherthermal R-values for a single layer and doubled R-value for insulationbundles.

3. The laminated reflective foil on the double bubble two-sided foilinsulation and foil radiant barrier reflects conductive, convective, andradiant heat transfer.

4. The furnace or air conditioner air do not have to heat or cool theinterior surfaces of the structure. Only the interior air is heated orcooled.

5. The double bubble two-sided foil insulation is constructed of foiland plastic with air bubbles inside making it safe for installation inthe interior living space of a structure.

6. Plastic and foil construction is resistant to mold, mildew, bacteria,fungus, moisture, humidity, condensation, and nesting of pests.

7. There is no release of toxic or carcinogenic insulation particles toirritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tracts as compared tofiberglass thermal batt insulation.

8. No special tools, clothing or protective equipment is necessary forhandling or installation.

9. An insulation contractor is not needed to install the insulatedfabric pocket panels.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE

Accordingly, the reader can see that the preferred, additional, andalternative embodiments can be used to insulate interior walls, windows,ceilings, floors and door surfaces of a structure. Insulated fabricpocket panels can be used in the following alternative structures butnot limited to: residential, rental homes, apartments, commercialbuildings, basements, new and retrofit buildings, pole barns, steelbuildings, garage doors, post frame buildings, barns, dog kennels,warehouses, storage units, mobile homes, motor homes, campers, campertrailers, tents, and cabin boats.

Alternative options for steel doors include sealing the top of thefabric pocket panel with Velcro tape (hook and loop tape). Magnets andmagnetic tape are sewn to the insulated fabric pocket panel with acrisscross stitch over the tape or magnet. Magnet sash rods can also beused to attach insulated fabric pocket panels to steel doors.

Alternative options for wooden doors include using the followinghardware such as but not limited to: door hangers, sash rods or magnetictape. If the structure is occupied by permanent occupants, the panelscan be attached to a wooden door by mounting screws and washers, magnetsor magnetic tape connected to the door with screws for more durability;sash rods with hanging brackets and hook and loop tape (Velcro).

Alternative options for existing drapery products or window treatmentsinclude but not limited to: insulated fabric pocket panels are custommade to the various sizes of the area to be insulated. Each thermalslider panel and vertical blind can be inserted inside a custom-madeinsulated fabric pocket panel and closed at the top with hook and looptape (Velcro). Insulated fabric pocket panels can also be used onexisting drapery products or window treatments that include but notlimited to: roman shades, grommet-topped drapes, drapes, shutterlouvers, and thermal slider panels.

Alternative fabric embodiments for the insulated fabric pocket panelsinclude but not limited to: denim, twill, canvass, fire-retardant fabricor canvass, oil cloth, drapery fabrics, jacquard weave drapery fabrics,upholstery fabrics, muslin and drapery fabric with insulatingfabric-flocked acrylic foam backing.

The above-listed preferred and alternative embodiments provide specificdescriptions but should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of thepresent embodiments.

1. The insulated fabric pocket panel of a type comprising a doublebubble two-sided foil insulation inserted inside the fabric pocketwherein said insulation reflects heat and cold back through the exteriorwall structure and into the outside environment.
 2. The insulated fabricpocket panel of claim 1 wherein said insulation is used on the interiorliving spaces of said interior structure on finished walls, windows,ceilings, doors, and floors.
 3. The insulated fabric pocket panel ofclaim 1 can also be comprised of an insulation bundle or foil radiantbarrier inserted inside the fabric pocket.
 4. The double bubbletwo-sided foil insulation of claim 1 wherein said insulation hastwo-sided reflective foil laminated on a double bubble plastic layer. 5.The insulation of claim 1 wherein said laminated reflective foilreflects heat and cold away from the surface of said laminatedreflective foil and said structure.
 6. The insulation of claim 1 isinserted into the pocket of a fabric pocket panel creating saidinsulated fabric pocket panel.
 7. The insulated fabric pocket panel of atype comprising a double bubble two-sided foil insulation insertedinside wherein said insulation reflects heated furnace air or cooled airconditioner air away from finished interior structure surfaces back intothe center of the room of said structure.
 8. The insulation of claim 6wherein said insulation reflects furnace air away from cold interiorstructure surfaces and said furnace air is not cooled by cold interiorsurfaces or absorbed into said cold interior structure surfaces
 9. Theinsulation of claim 6 wherein said insulation reflects air conditionerair away from warm or hot walls and is not warmed or heated by said warmor hot interior surfaces or absorbed into said interior structuresurfaces.
 10. The insulation of claim 6 wherein said insulation reflectsfurnace and air conditioner air into the center of said interiorstructure and only heats or cools said air not interior structuresurfaces.
 11. Double bubble two-sided foil insulation, an insulationbundle or foil radiant barrier inserted inside the pocket panel whereinsaid insulation is safe to use in interior living spaces said insulationis constructed of foil, plastic or a combination thereof.
 12. Theinsulation of claim 10, wherein said insulation is safe insulation asthere is no release of insulation particulates to irritate the skin,eyes, and respiratory tracts as compared to fiberglass thermal battinsulation.
 13. The insulation of claim 10, wherein said insulation doesnot require special clothing or protective equipment is necessary forhandling or installation of said insulation.